City of Ironton, MO Article III Animal Welfare

Section 205.270 Animal Neglect or Abandonment.

A. A person is guilty of animal neglect if he/she has custody or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care.

B. A person is guilty of animal abandonment if he/she has knowingly abandoned an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.

C. Animal neglect or animal abandonment are ordinance violations. For a first offense of either violation, a term of imprisonment not to exceed fifteen (15) days, or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment, may be imposed. For a second or subsequent violation of either offense, a term of imprisonment not to exceed ninety (90) days, or a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or both such fine and imprisonment, may be imposed. All fines and penalties for a first conviction of animal neglect or animal abandonment may be waived by the court, provided that the person found guilty of animal neglect or abandonment shows that adequate, permanent remedies for the neglect or abandonment have been made. Reasonable costs incurred for the care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals may not be waived. This Section shall not apply to the provisions of Section 578.007 or Sections 272.010 to 272.370, RSMo.

D. In addition to any other penalty imposed by this Section, the court may order a person found guilty of animal neglect or animal abandonment to pay all reasonable costs and expenses necessary for:

1. The care and maintenance of neglected or abandoned animals within the person's custody or ownership;

2. The disposal of any dead or diseased animals within the person's custody or ownership;

3. The reduction of resulting organic debris affecting the immediate area of the neglect or abandonment; and

4. The avoidance or minimization of any public health risks created by the neglect or abandonment of the animals.

Section 205.280 Animal Abuse. [1]

A. A person is guilty of animal abuse if a person:

1. Intentionally or purposely kills an animal in any manner not allowed by or expressly exempted from the provisions of Sections 578.005 to 578.023 and 273.030, RSMo.;

2. Purposely or intentionally causes injury or suffering to an animal; or

3. Having ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate care which results in substantial harm to the animal.

[1] Note: Under certain circumstances, this offense can be a felony under State law.